About Diabetes

About Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic health condition characterized by the body’s inability to properly produce or utilize insulin—the hormone that balances blood sugar. Across the globe, over 422 million people live with diabetes, including more than 37 million Americans.

Without proper care, chronic high blood sugar can damage vital organs and systems, including the heart, kidneys, eyes, and nerves. At Diabetes and Lifestyle Management, we provide the guidance, technology, and clinical care needed to help you take control of your health and prevent long-term complications.

Diabetes Care & Management: Frequently Asked Questions

Overview & Diagnosis

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes refers to a group of chronic metabolic conditions characterized by elevated levels of blood glucose (sugar), clinically known as hyperglycemia.
Glucose is essential to health, serving as a primary energy source for muscle tissue, body cells, and optimal brain function. However, persistently elevated blood sugar levels over time can cause serious damage to various bodily systems, particularly the cardiovascular and nervous systems.

While there is currently no cure for diabetes, healthy lifestyle modifications—such as regular physical activity, weight management, and a balanced diet—can effectively help to regulate blood glucose levels. If you are concerned about your risk for diabetes, early medical evaluation is essential.

What are the main types of diabetes?

  • Type 1 Diabetes: Formerly known as juvenile or insulin-dependent diabetes, this autoimmune condition is characterized by deficient insulin production. It requires daily, life-long insulin administration.

  • Type 2 Diabetes: This condition impairs how the body utilizes glucose for energy. It causes insulin resistance, preventing the body from using insulin effectively and resulting in hyperglycemia if left unmanaged.

    • Prevention & Factors: Type 2 diabetes is often preventable. Contributing factors include genetics, excess body weight, and physical inactivity. Timely diagnosis is critical to mitigating long-term complications.

  • Gestational Diabetes: Characterized by hyperglycemia during pregnancy, with blood glucose values above normal but below the diagnostic threshold for standard diabetes.

    • Risks: Gestational diabetes increases the risk of pregnancy and delivery complications for the mother, as well as a higher future risk of Type 2 diabetes for both mother and child. It is typically identified through routine prenatal screening.

How is diabetes diagnosed?

To evaluate for diabetes, your Primary Care Provider (PCP) will review your medical history, symptoms, and relevant diagnostic lab results alongside a thorough physical examination.

Diagnosis is primarily confirmed using a glycated hemoglobin (A1C) test:

  • A1C Test: A non-fasting blood test that measures average blood glucose levels over the preceding 2 to 3 months.

  • Diagnostic Threshold: An A1C level of 6.5% or higher on two separate tests confirms a diabetes diagnosis.

If your PCP identifies diabetes or prediabetes, they may refer you to our specialist team at Diabetes and Lifestyle Management.

Note: Patients are also welcome to self-refer directly to our practice.

Comprehensive Care & Treatment

Interactive Education & Technology: Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM)

Education is foundational to effective diabetes self-management. We offer specialized training using Continuous Glucose Sensors (CGS/CGM)—wearable technology that monitors blood glucose levels continuously for 10 to 14 days without requiring routine fingersticks. These devices offer real-time readings, trend arrows, and custom alarms for hyperglycemic (high) and hypoglycemic (low) events.

Our 3-Step CGM Training Model:

  1. Appointment 1: Onboarding & Baseline Setup (In-Person)

    • Hands-on device orientation and application.

    • Remote monitoring integration with our practice.

    • First Week Protocol: Wear the device while maintaining your normal daily routine and lifestyle without making immediate changes.

    2. Appointment 2: Data Review & Custom Recommendations (In-Person or Telehealth)

    • Review and analyze baseline glucose data from Week 1.

    • Receive tailored clinical and lifestyle adjustments from your provider to follow for Week 2.

    3. Appointment 3: Outcomes Assessment & Care Personalization (In-Person or Telehealth)

    • Comparative review of data from both weeks to evaluate the impact of recommended changes.

    • Collaborate with your provider to finalize an individualized long-term care plan based on what worked best for you.

For eligible patients desiring a Continuous Glucose Sensor, our practice handles prescription processing and monthly home supply deliveries.

Specialist Services

Clinical Appointments with Medical Providers

Our specialized providers at Diabetes and Lifestyle Management focus on the precise diagnosis, management, and treatment of all forms of diabetes.

  • Holistic & Medical Interventions: We prioritize evidence-based, conservative measures to help optimize blood sugar levels naturally. This includes targeted exercise routines, weight management strategies, stress reduction, and tailored clinical nutrition plans designed around your lifestyle.

  • Insulin Management: For patients diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes (or insulin-requiring Type 2 diabetes), customized insulin regimens and therapies are integrated into your treatment plan.

Consultation with Lifestyle Educators

Our dedicated Lifestyle Educators offer targeted support, including:

  • Carbohydrate counting and meal planning guidance

  • Behavioral modification strategies for sustained glucose control

  • Customized nutritional education

  • Goal-setting using the S.M.A.R.T. framework (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound)

Contact Us

Take control of your health today. To learn more or schedule a consultation with our specialist team:

  • Practice Name: Diabetes and Lifestyle Management

  • Phone: (603) 552-3309

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